We didn't leave Reliance until 1 pm, mostly because we are ahead of our schedule and also because Dan at Reliance Fly and Tackle had to go to town and offered to pick NoKey up some antibiotic ointment for his feet. His blisters are getting infected and needed some TLC. While we were waiting on the back porch of the campstore we missed a heavy and short rain storm. We were definitely glad to be packed up and dry!
Walking along the Hiawassee River - the lowest point on the BMT
We had an easy walk along the John Muir Trail leaving town, mostly flat and downhill where we followed the Hiawassee River for a few miles. Our first big climb was supposed to take us to a high point where we could get a view of the river, but the trail had been rerouted due to logging. Again, no views on the BMT. Once again we were reminded how spoiled we were on the AT thanks to the National Scenic Trail Act of 1968. We did finally have a cell phone signal at the top of this one and were able to get and receive a few texts.
A pretty cascade from Wildcat Creek
From here it was up and down with a pretty cascade and a bonus side trail a group of fishermen told us about. Then, we climbed though a ton of rock formations known as the Narrows before coming camp at Loss Creek. We have a big creek crossing first thing in the morning followed by some uphill, so this is a great stopping point. The weather is calling for an 80% chance of rain tomorrow so I hope we miss that!
These pretty flowers are called Indian Pink